It didn't help matters that Newt's tone every time he was called
on to respond to Bachmann was so noticeably condescending it
brought to mind the infamous 2008 exchange at the New Hampshire
debate when Obama reassured Hillary she was "likable
enough." Obama lost the primary there three days later.

Bachmann, who started this campaign season as a much-ridiculed
outsider with a shaky grasp of historical facts, has been
increasingly strong in recent debates. Not strong enough to
be electable, but as the below clip makes clear, strong enough to
do real damage to Newt Gingirch's chance at a nomination.